Sawbones: Blisters

Sawbones: Medicine Brand Names

Jul 7, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of Sawbones, the hosts delve into the fascinating and often complex world of medical branding. They examine the evolution of drug naming, moving from the early days of inconsistent, localized formularies to the modern, rigorous regulatory standards established by organizations like the United States Adopted Names Council and the FDA. The discussion highlights how pharmaceutical names are constructed, moving beyond chemical composition to include evocative branding meant to influence public perception. The hosts explain the distinction between generic names—which often use standardized suffixes like -prazole or -lol to indicate a drug’s class—and proprietary brand names, which are developed by specialized agencies at a significant cost. A recurring theme is the necessity of avoiding confusion between similarly named drugs, which can lead to dangerous, even fatal, medical errors. The episode also touches on the "disaster checks" performed to ensure names don't carry unintended linguistic connotations in different markets. Ultimately, the hosts explore the delicate balance of creating a name that is medically distinct and safe while effectively communicating the drug’s purpose to both clinicians and patients.

Sawbones Classic: Sunburns

Jun 30, 202634 minSummary

In this classic episode of Sawbones, hosts Justin and Sydnee McElroy explore the medical and cultural history of sunburns and the evolving relationship humans have had with the sun. The hosts trace how perceptions of skin tone have shifted throughout history, noting that pale skin was long considered an indicator of wealth and high social status because it signaled an exemption from manual labor. The conversation highlights how this dynamic changed following the Industrial Revolution, when leisure time became a new status symbol and the beach emerged as a popular destination. The episode covers the interesting origins of sun protection, from ancient methods like using jasmine and rice or olive oil, to the development of early commercial sunscreens and the accidental "invention" of tanning trends. The hosts discuss the progression from seeing the sun as a purely medicinal tool for conditions like tuberculosis to recognizing the significant dangers of UV exposure. They also touch upon the evolution of modern sunscreen, the introduction of SPF, and the importance of shielding the skin from both UVA and UVB rays to prevent long-term damage, emphasizing that despite changing beauty trends, consistent sun protection remains a vital health priority.

Sawbones: Matilda and Telekinesis

Jun 16, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Sawbones, the host explores the fascinating and often misunderstood concept of telekinesis, taking inspiration from the classic story of Matilda. The discussion highlights the pervasive myth that humans only utilize a small fraction of their brain power, a belief that has historically driven intense interest in the possibility of unlocking hidden psychic potential. The hosts delve into the real-world history of Cold War-era investigations, detailing how the U.S. military and the CIA conducted experiments to see if telekinesis, remote viewing, and mind control could be weaponized for intelligence purposes. The episode covers the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) laboratory, which attempted to apply scientific rigor to these phenomena, and explores the career of Uri Geller, a famous illusionist who famously claimed to possess genuine psychic powers. While some government studies yielded results that were initially viewed as significant, these experiments faced heavy skepticism and were never successfully replicated by the broader scientific community. Ultimately, the episode serves as an engaging blend of medical history and pop culture, contrasting the magical powers seen on stage with the reality of scientific consensus.

Sawbones: Kratom

Jun 2, 202641 minSummary

In this episode of Sawbones, the hosts examine the history, pharmacology, and current status of kratom, a substance that has surged in popularity despite a lack of formal clinical regulation. Originating from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia, kratom has been used traditionally for its stimulant and pain-relieving properties. However, the hosts emphasize that its botanical origin does not inherently guarantee safety, as many dangerous substances are also plant-derived. The discussion highlights the shift from traditional consumption—such as chewing leaves or brewing tea—to modern, highly refined extracts like mitragynine and the more potent 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds interact with mu-opioid receptors in the human body, leading the hosts to classify them essentially as opioids, which poses significant risks for addiction and overdose. Despite these concerns, kratom remains widely available in unregulated retail settings. The episode also touches on the intense lobbying efforts, specifically by the American Kratom Association, which successfully halted federal scheduling attempts by arguing for its potential medical applications. Ultimately, the hosts warn against treating kratom as a safe, natural "miracle" supplement, underscoring the dangers of using powerful, unstudied substances without proper medical oversight.

Sawbones: Hantavirus, Part 2

May 19, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine, hosts Justin and Dr. Sydney McElroy provide a timely follow-up regarding an evolving outbreak of Hantavirus. Recorded just hours before release, the hosts emphasize that while this situation is serious, it does not mirror the global threat level of COVID-19. The discussion explores the origins of the outbreak, linked to contact with rodent-contaminated materials, and examines the logistical challenges of repatriating cruise ship passengers. Dr. McElroy provides insight into the medical complexities of the virus, including the use of ECMO for critically ill patients and the importance of rapid, specialized care. A significant portion of the episode focuses on why American passengers were quarantined in Nebraska, explaining the role of the national quarantine facility there. The hosts address the distinctions between quarantine and biocontainment while reflecting on the importance of risk management in medicine and daily life. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness in public health and highlights the intersection of modern medical science and the uncontrollable nature of emerging diseases.